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Standard Deviation Symbol (σ)

The standard deviation symbol is σ. The Greek small letter sigma, σ, commonly denotes a population standard deviation. A sample standard deviation is commonly written as s, so the population or sample scope must be stated.

Character
σ
Unicode
U+03C3

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Statistical reportsResearch papersData analysisTeaching materials

What Is the Standard Deviation Symbol?

The Greek small letter sigma, σ, commonly denotes a population standard deviation. A sample standard deviation is commonly written as s, so the population or sample scope must be stated.

Statistical reports

Research papers

Data analysis

Teaching materials

Related forms

Standard Deviation Symbol Variants and Related Forms

Mean Symbol (x̄)

The mean symbol is x̄. The notation x̄, read “x bar,” commonly…

Hyphen Symbol (-)

Hyphen Symbol is represented by -, the Unicode character HYPHEN-MINUS at U+002D.…

Ohm Symbol (Ω)

The ohm symbol is Ω. Ω is the SI unit symbol for…

Summation Symbol (∑)

Summation Symbol is represented by ∑, the Unicode character N-ARY SUMMATION at…

Up Arrow Symbol (↑)

Up Arrow Symbol is ↑ (U+2191 UPWARDS ARROW), used for upward movement,…

Libra Symbol (♎)

Libra Symbol is represented by ♎, the Unicode character LIBRA at U+264E.…

Lambda Symbol (λ)

The lambda symbol is λ. λ is U+03BB GREEK SMALL LETTER LAMDA,…

Proportional Symbol (∝)

The proportional symbol is ∝. The proportional-to sign ∝ states that one…

How to Type the Standard Deviation Symbol

Choose your device or app to insert the standard deviation symbol without copying it from another page.

Standard Deviation Symbol on Windows

In Microsoft Word, type 03C3 and press Alt+X. In other Windows apps, use Character Map or copy σ from this page.

Standard Deviation Symbol on Mac

Open Character Viewer with Control+Command+Space and search for “greek small letter sigma.”

Standard Deviation Symbol on iPhone and iPad

Use the Copy button to copy σ, then paste it into the target app. Save a text-replacement shortcut only if the exact sequence is preserved.

Standard Deviation Symbol on Android

Use the Copy button to copy σ, then paste it into the target app. Keyboard and emoji menus vary by device.

Standard Deviation Symbol on Chromebook

Copy σ from this page and press Ctrl+V. A supported character picker may also be available.

Standard Deviation Symbol on Microsoft Word

Paste σ into Word. For a single BMP character, Word can also convert its hexadecimal code with Alt+X.

Standard Deviation Symbol on Google Docs

Paste σ into Google Docs, or use Insert > Special characters and search by the Unicode name or page title.

Standard Deviation Symbol Unicode and HTML Codes

Use these values when you need the standard deviation symbol in HTML, CSS, source code, or a character reference.

Unicode U+03C3
Unicode name GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA
HTML decimal σ
HTML hex σ
CSS escape 3C3

How to Use and Format the Standard Deviation Symbol

Format σ according to its role as standard deviation notation. The Greek small letter sigma, σ, commonly denotes a population standard deviation. A sample standard deviation is commonly written as s, so the population or sample scope must be stated. For the standard deviation symbol, do not choose a character only because it looks similar to another glyph; verify U+03C3 and keep the complete sequence together.

This page is about statistical dispersion, not the Greek alphabet or a generic Sigma character reference. For web content containing the standard deviation symbol, literal UTF-8 text is preferred when the font supports it; complete decimal or hexadecimal references are also valid. When the standard deviation symbol conveys an action, category, identity, hazard, measurement, or other essential information, pair it with readable text and an accessible name rather than relying on shape alone.

  • Define whether σ describes a population or an assumed model.

  • Keep σ and σ² distinct in equations and prose.

  • Report the standard deviation with the same unit as the measured variable.

  • Use the exact encoded form U+03C3 for standard deviation symbol content.

  • Use UTF-8 text or complete numeric character references when publishing σ on the web.

  • Test σ in the target font, application, and screen-reader workflow.

  • Keep a visible text label near σ when readers may not recognize the glyph.

Standard Deviation Symbol Examples

  • Population standard deviation: σ = 4.2
  • Normal distribution: N(μ, σ²)
  • Standard score: z = (x − μ) / σ
  • Report: μ = 18.4 and σ = 2.1
  • Variance and standard deviation: σ² = 9, σ = 3
  • Unicode sequence for Standard Deviation Symbol: U+03C3
  • HTML decimal: σ
  • HTML hexadecimal: σ
  • CSS escapes: 3C3
  • Accessible text label: Standard Deviation Symbol

Common Standard Deviation Symbol Mistakes

  • Using σ for a sample statistic when the chosen style requires s.
  • Confusing standard deviation σ with variance σ².
  • Reporting σ without the measurement unit when the data have units.
  • Treating a small σ as proof that the measurements are accurate rather than merely less dispersed.
  • Replacing the standard deviation symbol with a lookalike without checking the code point or sequence.
  • Assuming the standard deviation symbol has exactly the same glyph in every font and operating system.
  • Converting the standard deviation symbol to an image when selectable and searchable text is required.
  • Using σ as the only accessible name of an interactive control.

More About the Standard Deviation Symbol

Standard Deviation Symbol uses lowercase sigma, σ, specifically for population standard deviation. The symbol summarizes the spread of values around a population mean, but a formula or table must define the population and the measured variable before the notation is unambiguous. Sample standard deviation is commonly written s rather than σ.

That distinction matters in reports, textbooks, dashboards, and statistical software output. A heading such as “Population SD (σ)” is clearer than an isolated glyph, and a value should keep the same unit as the underlying measurement. For example, if observations are in millimetres, the standard deviation is also expressed in millimetres.

The expression μ ± σ combines a population mean and one standard deviation. It does not by itself state a probability rule, distribution, or acceptance limit; the surrounding analysis must supply those assumptions. Likewise, a chart label using σ should explain whether it represents one, two, or another number of standard deviations.

Both use U+03C3, but their search intents differ. This page covers statistical dispersion, population notation, sample notation, and interpretation in tables or formulas. Reviewed examples for Standard Deviation Symbol are Population standard deviation: σ = 4.2, Normal distribution: N(μ, σ²), Standard score: z = (x − μ) / σ, Report: μ = 18.4 and σ = 2.1, and Variance and standard deviation: σ² = 9, σ = 3.

During QA for Standard Deviation Symbol, preserve U+03C3, apply these checks—Define whether σ describes a population or an assumed model. Keep σ and σ² distinct in equations and prose.

This page is about statistical dispersion, not the Greek alphabet or a generic Sigma character reference.

Continue exploring: Mean Symbol (x̄) , Hyphen Symbol (-) , Ohm Symbol (Ω) and Summation Symbol (∑) . You can also browse all symbols.

Related Symbols

Mean Symbol (x̄) View symbol → Hyphen Symbol (-) View symbol → Ohm Symbol (Ω) View symbol → Summation Symbol (∑) View symbol → Up Arrow Symbol (↑) View symbol → Libra Symbol (♎) View symbol → Lambda Symbol (λ) View symbol → Proportional Symbol (∝) View symbol → Sagittarius Symbol (♐) View symbol → Beta Symbol (β) View symbol → Yuan Symbol (¥) View symbol → Transgender Symbol (⚧) View symbol → Sun Symbol (☀) View symbol → Phi Symbol (φ) View symbol → Taurus Symbol (♉) View symbol → Rho Symbol (ρ) View symbol →

Standard Deviation Symbol FAQ

What is the standard deviation symbol?

The Greek small letter sigma, σ, commonly denotes a population standard deviation. A sample standard deviation is commonly written as s, so the population or sample scope must be stated.

What is the Unicode for σ?

The encoded form is U+03C3: GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA.

How do I type σ?

Windows: In Microsoft Word, type 03C3 and press Alt+X. In other Windows apps, use Character Map or copy σ from this page. Mac: Open Character Viewer with Control+Command+Space and search for “greek small letter sigma.”

Is standard deviation always written with sigma?

No. σ commonly represents a population standard deviation, while s commonly represents a sample standard deviation.

What is the difference between σ and σ²?

σ is standard deviation; σ² is variance.

Which symbol identifies the population standard deviation?

Lowercase sigma σ commonly identifies the population standard deviation. A sample standard deviation is commonly written s.